One of the greatest teaching strategies I ever “learned” was usage of the game silent ball. Not only is it a great activity to do when you have a few minutes to spare at the end of class, it also keeps the class deadly silent. Which is a powerful weapon in a middle school classroom.
To play silent ball in the classroom, simply have the students sit on their desks and have one student start with the ball. The goal is to pass the ball to another student without making any noise. If the ball is dropped or makes a noise, the student is out. The game continues until only one student remains, who is declared the winner.
So, how can silent ball be used in the classroom? Here are a few ideas:
- Brain Breaks – Silent ball can be used as a quick brain break between lessons. It’s a great way to get students up and moving while also giving their brains a break.
- Team Building – Silent ball is a non-competitive game that encourages cooperation and teamwork. It’s a great way to help students learn to work together and support one another.
- Skill Development – Silent ball is also a great way to develop important skills like focus and hand-eye coordination. By practicing catching and throwing the ball silently, students can improve their motor skills and reaction time.
- Classroom Management – Silent ball can be used as a tool for classroom management. If students are getting restless or off-task, a quick game of silent ball can help refocus their attention.
